LTE-M, also known as LTE Cat-M1, is a bidirectional, standards-based protocol within a dedicated spectrum. It provides carrier-grade security, long battery life, low data needs, low-cost modules, and can operate in remote or hard to reach locations (underground or geographically dispersed). LTE-M is a low power wide area (LPWA) technology that supports IoT through lower device complexity while providing extended coverage. This allows for an extended battery lifetime, potentially as long as 10 years or more, for a wide range of use cases, such as low-data-rate sensors, automated meter reading, and asset tracking.
Using an extended discontinuous repletion cycle (eDRX), the data collection devices can transmit data on a non-continuous schedule, as set by the end user. The device, when not sending data is not off, but just asleep. When data is scheduled to be sent, the device does not need to be re-activated to join the network, it just wakes up. Having intermittent data send-schedules, which are not active 24/7, can save battery life, leading to significant cost savings. LTE-M is easy to deploy across every business sector, including asset tracking, cold chain, fleet management, remote patient monitoring, wearables (for humans or animals), and a host of others.
Another appealing advantage of LTE-M is that it does not need a new infrastructure as it can piggyback on existing LTE networks. As such, a carrier can update software on its network, get LTE-M functional, and not spend any additional funds on infrastructure or support services.
Additionally, LTE-M brings new standards for IoT security features, such as ConnectionLock, which enables strong protection against device data leakage by restricting device communication access.
What do you think LTE-M can do for your business model? Click on the opening paragraph link to download an Aeris LTE-M industry briefor, better yet:
Join us for IoT World Today webinar as Evan Whitelock, Product Marketing Manager at Aeris, goes through LTE-M functionality, along with sample use cases, to show how to optimize your deployments with LTE-M.
